188 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



ing more material for class work, while the lower grades of the primary schools are 

 using natural history specimens for nature studies. The demand for such specimens 

 has been growing, but such material is costly. The price of this material should be 

 made low in order to stimulate more practical work in our schools. The great good 

 already accomplished by the United States Fish Commission through the Smithsonian 

 Institution is an excellent illustration of what may be done in this direction. 



It is customary in connection with these stations to arrange for courses of semi- 

 popular lectures. These lectures are authentic resume's of the most recent investiga- 

 tions, and when published do much toward educating the masses and directing public 

 opinion in proper channels. They create a healthy public feeling in reference to the 

 function of scientific work and the utility of original investigation. 



All of the arguments so far advanced are important, but the highest and greatest 

 benefit to be derived from a station must come from its original contributions to our 

 knowledge of biology. The distinctive features of such a station must be its capa- 

 bility for carrying on independent investigation. Private rooms for research should 

 be provided and every facility for research supplied. The station should be a place 

 where investigations are made by people who come together for experiment and mutual 

 assistance. Its work should be of such a character and should attain a reputation 

 such that persons contemplating economic work of a biologic nature will unhesitat- 

 ingly trust the results of its investigators. 



The work of a Gulf biological station should be carried on in connection with 

 similar work of the U. S. Fish Commission. This Commission has for some time had 

 under contemplation the establishment of a laboratory on the Gulf coast, and this 

 Congress, in our opinion, should in every way further this movement. The establish- 

 ment of a biological station in connection with the laboratory and Fish Commission 

 would offer an especially desirable place for public-school teachers interested in 

 scientific topics; would draw college students desiring to supplement a college course 

 with practical work; attract medical students who feel the necessity of a knowledge 

 of biological subjects in connection with their work; would serve as a distributing 

 point for schools wanting marine forms; furnish college and university men chances 

 to meet and compare notes; would immensely increase the development of all our 

 economic interests, and lastly, would crown all of these advantages by stimulating 

 that highest of all labors the capable, painstaking, original investigation. 



KUSTON, LOUISIANA. 



